The story
Crochet lace in Narsapur was introduced by Christian missionaries in the 19th century as home-based work for women. It grew into an export craft sold to Europe and the US, with exporters giving yarn to women who crochet at home. Thousands of women in the villages around Narsapur and Palakollu work part-time on lace. Narasapur Crochet Lace carries a GI tag.
In numbers
The Narsapur crochet lace cluster had 50 self-help-group firms, about 2,00,000 workers and a turnover of Rs 500 million (2010-11 data).
Brief Industrial Profile of West Godavari District (MSME-DI Hyderabad, DC-MSME) · 2011
GI tag
- Narasapur Crochet LaceApplication no. GI application no. 713Registration details of Geographical Indications (IP India GI Registry)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Design modern lace products for online buyers
- Dyeing and bleaching services for lace
- Branding and direct export
- Yarn supply in bulk to SHGs
Problems the cluster faces
- Old designs and low quality control
- No dyeing and bleaching facilities
- Weak association and branding
- Very low piece rates for women
Businesses to start here
Textile Made-Ups (Napkins, Mats, Aprons) →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →